Mbappe fumbles late penalty as Real Madrid lose to Betis

Real Betis stunned Real Madrid 1-0 on Friday, with goalkeeper Alvaro Valles saving Kylian Mbappe’s stoppage-time penalty to preserve a dramatic victory and hand Jose Mourinho a losing start in his return to the Madrid bench this season.

Troy Parrott scored in the 81st minute to put Betis ahead, but the hosts still had to survive a late Madrid surge. Valles delivered when it mattered most, diving to his left to deny Mbappe from the penalty spot before making another crucial save in the final moments.

Mbappe had a chance to rescue Madrid after Vinícius Júnior earned a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time. Vinícius drove toward the left side of the area before Betis defender Natan slid in and brought him down.

Mbappe stutter-stepped during his runup before sending his attempt toward the lower left corner. Valles read it perfectly, diving across his goal to make the save.

The Betis goalkeeper celebrated with a roar before bumping his chest into a stunned Mbappe.

“We were sure we had it, but of course you also need a bit of luck,” Valles said. “He is very good at trying to make you commit early and not showing you where he is aiming. I was fortunate to stop it.”

Valles had been outstanding throughout the match and was the main reason Madrid left Seville empty-handed.

He made a reflex save in the 11th minute to deny Dean Huijsen’s header from an Arda Güler delivery. Four minutes later, Güler found Vinícius at the far post, but the Brazilian’s effort struck the woodwork from a tight angle.

Betis created chances of its own, with Antony setting up Cucho Hernández in the 21st minute, only for the forward to shoot narrowly wide.

Madrid continued to threaten before halftime. Vinícius played Mbappe through with Valles out of position, but Mbappe’s first effort was blocked by Natan. Mbappe collected the rebound and appeared to have beaten Valles with his second attempt, only for Marc Bartra to make a crucial goal-line clearance.

Valles then produced another fine stop to keep out Jude Bellingham’s header from a Güler corner.

Madrid came even closer in first-half stoppage time when Huijsen headed another Güler delivery against the crossbar.

Güler was substituted in the 65th minute but was named man of the match after another influential performance in Madrid’s attack.

Mbappe had another opportunity in the 68th minute after Huijsen won possession from Antony and released the France forward, but Valles again stood firm.

Betis finally broke through in the 81st minute following a corner. Thibaut Courtois saved Nelson Deossa’s initial header, but Parrott reacted quickest to the rebound and fired into the net.

Madrid immediately pushed for an equalizer. Mbappe struck the crossbar four minutes later, while the visitors thought they had leveled in the 87th minute when Carlos Espi finished Vinicius’ cross with a spectacular overhead kick.

The goal was ruled out for offside following a video assistant referee review.

That set up the frantic finish.

Valles saved Mbappe’s penalty, then produced one final stop to tip an Espi header over the crossbar and complete a memorable night.

Mbappe had entered the match in strong form, scoring in two of Madrid’s first three games of the season, including a hat trick. But he endured a frustrating night in Seville, missing several opportunities and ultimately seeing his late penalty saved.

Madrid’s first defeat of the La Liga season leaves the club with nine points after four matches, level with Betis, which also has three wins and one loss.

Mbappe will have little time to dwell on the miss. Madrid hosts Inter Milan in their Champions League opener Tuesday, giving the French star an immediate opportunity to respond.

DAILYSABAH